Finishing over large inlay

[Logan]

I have a headstock that is basically 100% inlay and am wanting to do some engraving on the pearl before finishing. What grit should I sand the inlay to that would keep engraving ink from settling into sanding lines, but still allow adhesion of the lacquer?

[B. Howard]

Most likely need to sand to 600-800 grit to keep the filler from showing up in the scratches. As you already noted, this is to fine of an anchor for a typical lacquer finish. My advice would be to use fresh, de-waxed shellac as asealer and bond coat on the headstock only and apply your normal sealer and finish over top of that. Don't go crazy with the shellac, the thiner the coat you can put down the better.